Interface for presenting downloadable digital data content format options

Abstract

A transaction for downloadable digital data is facilitated over an electronic network. A presence is maintained on the electronic network to which a consumer may connect. A page is transmitted from the presence to the consumer over the electronic network, the page including information concerning the downloadable digital data. A command is received from the consumer over the electronic network indicating that the consumer wishes the transaction for the downloadable digital data. Format options are transmitted from the presence to the consumer over the electronic network via the at page, the format options being selectable by the consumer and including at least one of (i) types of software on which the downloadable digital data may be executed; (ii) types of portable devices on which the downloadable digital data may be stored; (iii) types of compression formats in which the downloadable digital data may be configured; (iv) types of CODECs through which the downloadable digital data may be processed; and (v) types of digital rights management algorithms to which the downloadable digital data may be subject.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is based on and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 198,202, entitled METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR PRESENTING CONTENT AVAILABLE BY DIGITAL DOWNLOAD, AND FULFILLING DIGITAL DOWNLOAD PURCHASES, filed Apr. 19, 2000, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to facilitating transactions between a consumer and one or more entities over an electronic network. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for presenting and obtaining purchasable content, such as downloadable digital data and physical storage media at least party by way of the electronic network.[0003]It is known to browse for, and purchase, goods over the Internet. For example, SamGoody.com offers the purchase of CDs, tapes, DVDs, etc. containing music and / or video via the Internet. It is also known to downloa...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

While physical goods, such as CDs, tapes, DVDs, may be purchased over the Internet, a user-friendly arrangement for permitting the purchase of such physical goods and / or the downloading of digital data has heretofore not been adequately developed.

Likewise, providers of downloadable digital data may not have the market penetration enjoyed by a provider of physical goods and would welcome the opportunity to market its downloadable digital data to consumers through the provider of physical goods.

Images